When I think of the things I learned from my parents as a child, there were certainly things that were explicitly and directly taught to me but the things I learned that were most deeply imprinted on me as a young child were caught, not taught. What I means is there was a culture and a feeling in our household that communicated and demonstrated specific values louder than any words could. It was this family culture that impacted me far more in my upbringing than any teaching or command to obey.

Proverbs 22:6 says,Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

If you’re a parent then you know the great privilege and fear that comes with raising your children. You also know that what you say is really only as powerful and influential as what you do.

As a parent it’s easy to fall into the ‘when they’re older’ trap. We think, “I’ll teach that value or this habit when they’re older.” But right now is the best time to plant those seeds of faith, to instill a heart of generosity, or even a challenge of leadership. If we fall into the ‘when they’re older’ mentality we’ve already waited to long. The values that you teach and demonstrate your children today have the power to affect the rest of their life. Scary, I know. But also an amazing privilege.

Check out this video about how one young girl had an idea to help those in need. As you watch imagine the seeds of faith that were planted in her life as a result of her action and her parents support and what affect that may have on the rest of her life.